Types and stages of lichen
The photo shows different types of lichen on the leg, at different stages. There are a large number of varieties of lichen, but the main ones are the following:
- shearer;
- pink;
- pityriasis;
- encircling.
These types of diseases have a chain of common symptoms: lesions with a diameter of 0.5 to 6 centimeters, itching, peeling, discoloration of the skin.
Types of disease
There are several types of lichen that occurs on the hands:
Pityriasis rosea (Zhibera) is manifested by the formation of round pinkish spots on the skin. The skin becomes like “weathered”, roughness and roughness appear.
Some of the spots may disappear on their own after a few weeks, and the second part can be removed by exposure to ultraviolet rays. The cause of this type of skin disease can be severe stress and psychological stress.
Lichen ruber - the nail plates and the skin of the hands are affected. The disease manifests itself in the form of the formation of red-violet spots that rise above the surface. My hands are very itchy. In this case, one dose of antiallergic drugs is not enough; complex treatment is required.
Pityriasis versicolor or multicolored (colored) lichen. Due to the presence of yeast-like fungi, small spots appear on the skin, which gradually unite and the skin acquires an unusual spotted color.
Ringworm is the most common form of the disease in both children and adults. In this case, round spots with a clear contour are formed on the skin from the hands to the elbows.
The formation of spots is accompanied by itching. It is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person. Very quickly it develops into a severe form, requiring hospital treatment.
Weeping lichen - watery blisters form on the hands, from which liquid is released when scratched. Subsequently, the skin becomes crusted and the blisters coalesce, increasing the source of infection.
Ringworm
Ringworm usually appears on the feet, thighs and calves. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of round spots of a pink hue, with smooth edges.
The main feature of ringworm is hair loss in a concentrated area. It has a high level of infectiousness.
Pityriasis rosea
An allergic disease that often develops in people with poor immunity. This type of lichen is not contagious. Appears most often after an infectious disease. The disease goes away on its own after four weeks; if you take medications, this period can be extended.
How to cure lichen quickly
Ringworm does not go away in one day, no matter what treatment methods are used. Skin rashes last for weeks, so to speed up the process of eliminating them, it is important to choose a product that has a powerful effect. Even many expensive medications have a gentle effect that appears gradually, so finding the right one is not easy.
Quick relief from lichen is not aimed at eliminating causes that have not yet been fully studied, but at accelerating the cleansing of the skin. The main theory of the occurrence of lichen is immune, according to which the fungus attacks an organism with a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement any fast-acting remedies by strengthening the immune system.
Dermatologists say that the most powerful effect is provided by drugs that cauterize fungal spores. This may be accompanied by painful sensations at the time of application. The most effective is considered to be cauterization with iodine solution and sulfur ointment used simultaneously. It is better to treat rashes with iodine in the morning and evening, and with sulfur ointment - three times a day.
You can enhance the effect of sulfur ointment by adding birch tar to it in a 1:1 ratio. This substance also has a drying, soothing, and wound-healing effect. The active components of birch tar stop the synthesis of cells affected by the fungus, which leads to the cessation of the development of the disease.
Pityriasis
Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal disease. Fungi multiply on the lower parts of the legs. This type of lichen is characterized by clear boundaries and a brown color of the affected area.
Treatment must be carried out in a timely manner to prevent the spread of the fungus throughout the body. Treatment methods for such lichen on the legs come down to the use of antifungal agents. Duration of therapy is up to four weeks.
Onion and garlic
Onions contain many useful components, among which phytoncides are especially valued in the treatment of fungal diseases - substances that can kill pathogenic microorganisms. Also, the bactericidal and antiseptic properties of onions are effective for lichen. There are several ways to use it:
- With burdock oil. Grate the onion on a fine grater or puree it in a blender until it becomes a paste, add half a glass of burdock oil purchased at the pharmacy. Apply to the rashes in the evening, before bed, leave for half an hour, and wash off the residue with warm water.
- Juice. To squeeze juice out of an onion, simply grind it in a blender, then squeeze it out with gauze and remove the remainder. Dilute with water in a 1:1 ratio and lubricate the skin several times a day.
- Compress. Cut the onion in half, fry one part over the fire, prick it with a fork, and apply it to the affected area. We fix the onion half with a bandage, a tight bandage, and leave it overnight.
Garlic also has a lot of beneficial properties that help fight, including fungal diseases. You can use it in different ways:
- cut the slice in half, grease the rash;
- mix with Vaseline in equal parts, apply as an ointment;
- Infuse chopped garlic in apple cider vinegar and make compresses.
Important! Onions and garlic, although they have medicinal properties, can be harsh on the skin. If itching increases, painful sensations appear, or if you have hypersensitive skin, you should not use them.
Shingles
The causative agent is the varicella zoster virus. A characteristic sign of shingles are blisters with clear liquid, severe pain and itching. With this type of lichen, antiviral therapy and a detailed examination are indicated.
Lichen planus
This type of lichen occurs quite rarely. It is characterized by the appearance of flat plaques, up to 3 millimeters in size, with a shine, accompanied by severe itching. On the legs it appears in the ankle area, in the popliteal bend, on the inner side of the thigh.
Signs
Typically, pityriasis rosea in the groin appears during the recovery period after a cold. The first spot, the “maternal plaque,” is the largest, up to 10 cm in diameter, its edges are bright red. The appearance of this spot is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of the patient.
Appears:
- weakness;
- headache;
- loss of appetite.
After a few days, a yellow coating appears in the center of the plaque, which dries over time and takes on the appearance of scales.
After 7-10 days from the onset of the disease, many small spots with a diameter of no more than 1 cm appear on the body. In the photo you can see that they have a regular oval shape and are not prone to merging.
Plaque and scales also form in small spots. The skin underneath becomes dry, cracks, and the patient feels discomfort and severe itching. The disease never affects the face, scalp or mucous membranes.
Recovery occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the first spot appears without special treatment. If the patient's immunity is greatly reduced, the disease can last up to 6 months with periods of exacerbation and remission.
After the lichen disappears, a pigment spot remains in its place, which will disappear over time. Long-term illness and improper hygiene can lead to a secondary bacterial infection and a deterioration in the patient’s general condition.
Factors of occurrence
The reasons for the appearance of lichen on the legs can be different:
- fungal microspores;
- viruses;
- state of stress;
- genetic predisposition;
- interaction with infected people;
- metabolic disease;
- failure to comply with hygiene rules.
Features of facial skin care during illness
When using the wrong soap, a newborn's face may develop pityriasis alba - small light spots. In this case, the hygiene product should be replaced. The face must be wiped with herbs, while avoiding excessive moisture.
During illness, in addition to drug treatment, it is worth providing proper skin care for an adult. You should not use cosmetics for camouflage purposes - the lichen on the skin of the face will become even more inflamed. Tar soap is used as a cleanser. Additional care will be provided by masks made from natural ingredients: cranberries, raisins, propolis.
Treatment
The method of treatment will depend entirely on the type of lichen. Thus, medical and folk remedies for the treatment of lichen can be:
- antiviral group of drugs, such as Acyclovir, Herpevir (for the treatment of herpes zoster);
- antiallergic drugs (Loratadine, Suprastin) are essential drugs in the treatment of pityriasis rosea;
- antifungal drugs are used for pityriasis versicolor and ringworm (Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole);
- analgesics – will help cope with pain (Ketanov);
- antiseptics - will not allow the lichen to spread (iodine, zinc ointment, salicylic ointment);
- Birch tar;
- veterinary ointment for lichen;
- raisin compress.
Folk remedies
The use of traditional medicine in the fight against skin diseases is advisable in the early stages of the disease or as an adjunct along with traditional therapy. Herbal components in traditional medicine recipes are:
- horse sorrel;
- copper sulfate;
- burdock;
- dried flower (or sandy immortelle);
- aloe;
- tobacco tar;
- calendula juice;
- dark raisins;
- lemon;
- cranberry;
- wheat and fir oil;
- yeast dough.
There are several homeopathic methods, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by cured patients. The methods are easy to use and safe for treatment by patients of all age categories:
- Lotions from burdock decoction. To prepare the herbal medicine, the roots and tops of burdock are used, which should be filled with water (2 cups of water per 1 tablespoon of raw material) and boiled for 30 minutes. The solution, filtered and cooled to an acceptable temperature, is used for lotions, which should be done daily until recovery.
- Pea compress. Pour 1 cup of washed peas with boiling water in a ratio of 1 to 3, boil the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes, then cool, drain the liquid into a separate container. Apply gauze soaked in pea broth to the areas where the rashes are located every day until they disappear completely.
Celandine
Treatment of deprivation with folk remedies based on celandine gives good results. To prepare a medicinal composition that can relieve all types of skin ailments, it is necessary to pour the juice obtained from the stem of celandine with vodka and leave for 24 hours. The components of the tincture are mixed in a ratio of 1 to 1. After settling, the drug should be applied to the site of inflammation twice a day and left until completely dry. Improvement will begin after 2-3 days of treatment.
Garlic
To increase the body's immune defense, weakened by the effects of pathogenic microorganisms, plants that have an immunomodulatory effect are used. The substances contained in garlic (allicin, achoene, organic sulfides) contribute to the rapid elimination of lichen plaques. The release of beneficial elements occurs after chopping the garlic, which is why garlic powder is often used in traditional medicine recipes. Effective ways to help get rid of skin ailments are:
- Vinegar tincture. Chop 3 cloves of garlic, add fresh apple cider vinegar and put in a dark place for 7 days. Strain the finished tincture through gauze and apply the resulting liquid to the rash, placing a tight bandage on top to prevent evaporation of the medicine.
- Garlic ash. Burn 3 heads of garlic along with the shell, collect the ash and combine it with 1 glass of fish broth and 50 g of butter. Apply the product twice a day under the bandage.
Prevention of lichen
There are many ways to quickly and easily treat lichen on the leg, depending on the type of lichen, but it is much easier to prevent the development of pathology.
To do this, you should adhere to the rules of general hygiene and prevention to prevent the occurrence of lichen.
A person needs to do the following:
- avoid contact with stray animals;
- observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- use only personal clothing;
- try to lead a healthy lifestyle;
- avoid nervous tension;
- take vitamin and mineral complexes.
Especially carefully, these rules must be followed by people with a tendency to lichen in order to prevent relapses.
Ringworm can be eliminated only with timely treatment, without leading the disease to a chronic state. The disease does not pose a threat to life, but the lichen accompanied by itching can cause long-term damage to the human nervous system.
Types of lichen in humans
- Encircling;
- Pityriasis;
- Pink;
- Flat Red;
- Shearer;
- Wet;
- White.
Let us consider the detailed characteristics of each species, as well as methods of combating them.
Shingles
A viral disease, also called herpes zoster, it tends to affect not only the skin, but also the central nervous system.
As a rule, people over 50 years of age are at risk, since a low level of immunity is not able to protect the body from parasites. Causes:
- Decreased immunity;
- Diseases and disorders of the general blood picture;
- HIV infection;
- Oncological diseases, chemotherapy;
- Organ transplant procedures;
- Diabetes;
- Complex injuries with blood loss;
- Long-term use of drugs based on hormones and antidepressants;
- Chronic diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, cardiovascular diseases.
Symptoms:
- Fever;
- Severe nausea, vomiting;
- Headache;
- Burning and severe itching in those places where the rash itself will soon appear;
- Appearing pink spots, without particularly clear boundaries and shape;
- Bubbles on spots that can burst, causing pain;
- Gastrointestinal tract disorders.
Possible consequences:
- Complete paralysis, or impaired sensitivity in the limbs;
- Loss of coordination;
- Deafness (total or partial);
- Glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure);
- Inflammation of any internal organs;
- The consequences depend on the degree and form of the disease, so if it is not treated, you may encounter a number of unpleasant indignations.
Treatment is medicinal
Salicylic alcohol is an antiseptic, wipe the rash with a cotton pad after each hand washing.
Ointments:
- Sulfur is the cheapest method of combating mycosis. For several weeks, apply 2 times a day to the affected areas of the skin, be prepared for an unpleasant odor and oily skin; upon completion of treatment, everything should go away without leaving a trace.
- Ketoconazole – use for two to four days several times until symptoms disappear.
- Clotrimazole - for a month, sometimes several times, three to four times a day.
- Miconazole – ten days, 2 times a day.
- Terbinafine - once every two weeks (contraindicated in children under 12 years of age).
- Acyclovir ointment externally, tablets orally
In certain cases, antibiotics, antiviral, antimicrobial and immunostimulants are additionally prescribed for oral use. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage and method of administration according to the instructions.
Treatment with folk remedies
Onion
Apply onions fried over a fire without the top fried layer for one and a half to two hours on sore spots. Repeat up to 10 times.
Garlic
Mix three cloves of crushed garlic with 100 grams of warm honey and one tablespoon of ash, apply the paste in a thin layer on the skin until absorbed and dry.
Immortelle
Prepare an infusion of immortelle (pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of the herb and let it steep for an hour in a warm place), soak a bandage or gauze in the solution and apply compresses twice a day for about ten minutes.
Pityriasis rosea
It occurs most often in the winter, cold period in adults, rarely in children; its second name is pityriasis.
Causes:
- Stress;
- Immunodeficiency;
- Disturbed metabolic process of the body;
- Hypothermia;
- History of other infectious diseases;
- Recent vaccinations with a severe, abnormal reaction;
- Bite from bedbugs, fleas and other harmful insects;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system.
Symptoms:
- Headache, mainly in the morning;
- Peeling, itching on the affected parts of the skin;
- Rashes with a characteristic pink color;
- Enlarged lymph nodes (inguinal, cervical, axillary);
- Lethargy and feeling tired;
- Painful sensations in the joints.
The spots can be up to two centimeters, the body is first affected, then all other parts, occupying more than 80% of the healthy body, the disease can develop for more than two months and is manifested by prolonged high fever.
Treatment with medications
The general course lasts from four to six weeks.
Pills:
- Cetrin, Claritin, Suprastin, Aleron - antihistamines, antiallergic, will relieve inflammation and itching.
- Vitamins – to increase immunity and protective functions of the body.
- Antipyretics - only if the temperature remains above 38 degrees for more than two days.
Externally:
- Iodine, peroxide, salicylic alcohol, sea buckthorn oil - treat the skin from five days to two weeks.
- Hydrocortisone, prednisolone - hormone-based ointments for more advanced stages of the disease.
- Use according to the instructions, observing the interval and dose.
Treatment with folk remedies
General recommendations:
- Do not steam in hot water, baths, saunas;
- Avoid contact with synthetic fabric, give preference to cotton;
- Do not use cosmetic creams, sprays and other body products;
- Do not wear woolen items;
- When bathing, try not to wet painful spots;
- Avoid direct sunlight.
Celandine tincture
Finely chop the leaves with stems and place in a dark glass container, pour in vodka until the raw materials are completely covered, leave for 3 weeks (21 days), crush every day so that no sediment forms.
Take 10 drops orally (dissolve in 15 milliliters of water) 20 minutes before meals, until complete recovery. You can also use it externally, rubbing the rash once a day until the spots begin to lighten.
Birch tar
Mix equal amounts of butter with tar and treat the skin. Store in the refrigerator for no more than a month.
Chatterbox
Mix glycerin + zinc oxide powder + water (1:1:1) until smooth and apply to the affected areas for about half an hour, then remove the remaining mixture with a swab dipped in a vinegar solution.
Pityriasis versicolor
Also called multi-colored, fungal, microbial disease.
Causes:
- Weakened immunity;
- Increased secretion and sweating of the body;
- Tuberculosis;
- Prolonged exposure to the sun;
- Incorrectly selected cosmetic items.
Symptoms:
- The appearance of spots of brown, yellow, pink shades;
- Gradually, small, insignificant spots merge into one continuous one;
- After tanning and exposure to the sun, the color of the spots becomes white;
- During exacerbation, peeling is observed in the problem area.
To confirm the disease, you can use the following method: apply a 2% iodine solution to the damaged area with a thin layer of 1-2 centimeters; the disease will be confirmed if the treated ball turns brown.
Treatment with medications
With this diagnosis, the best way to cope is with ultraviolet radiation, which will penetrate so deeply that not a trace will remain of the lichen, and all the fungal growth in the deepest part of the skin will be destroyed.
Can be used externally:
- Ointments and Creams (Terbinafine, Miconazole, Lamisil, Bifonazole);
- Solutions (Clotrimazole, Salicylic acid, Calendula tincture);
- Tablets with antifungal action are prescribed for advanced forms.
As a rule, doctors recommend using creams and ointments during the daytime, which will create additional hydration, and in the evening using salicylic alcohol or calendula, which, on the contrary, will dry out the skin; after the dry scales have separated, use the cream again before going to bed.
Stick to this regimen until you recover and symptoms disappear.
Treatment with folk remedies
Hellebore water
It is considered the best remedy for treating even the most advanced stages within a short time.
Fir oil
Mix fir oil with vodka in equal proportions, apply to wounds with a cotton pad up to five times a day, shake the mixture before each use.
Celandine
In equal proportions, vodka and fresh plant juice are mixed and infused for ten days in a place protected from light, used in the form of lotions.
Herbal
Grind 1 tablespoon of calendula flower with 2 tablespoons of blackberry leaves, pour half a liter of boiling water and leave for an hour. Drink 100 milliliters three times a day after meals.
Buckwheat
A decoction of boiled buckwheat, strain from the cereal, cool and make lotions with a cotton swab.
Lichen planus
A fungal disease, more often found in the female half of the population, in the form of nodular rashes on the arms, chest, legs, abdomen, manifests itself mainly in the summer.
Important! Lichen ruber can affect mucous surfaces (mouth, genitals) and nails!
Causes:
- Immunodeficiency;
- Diabetes, vegetative-vascular dystonia and other chronic diseases in active form;
- Rare contact with an infected person.
Symptoms:
- Spots of red, brown, pink;
- Vague, indistinct shape;
- Upon contact with the sun, the spot becomes a noticeably dark, rich shade;
- It goes from different spots into one;
- Infrequent peeling;
- Sweating rarely increases.
Treatment with medications
Cortecosteroids
The basis of treatment (Hydroxychloroquine), in the acute stage it is combined with penicillin and hormonal ointments (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone)
Pills:
- Suprastin, Tavegil - relieve itching;
- Vitamins mainly A and E, they are most responsible for the condition of the skin;
- Analgesics – for severe, unbearable pain;
- Menthol tinctures and solutions have a cooling effect, allowing you to forget about pain and itching for a short period of time.
Treatment with folk remedies
Calendula ointment
You can buy it ready-made at the pharmacy, or you can prepare it yourself, it’s not difficult. Grind 10 grams of crushed calendula flowers with 50 grams of Vaseline and apply to diseased skin surfaces.
Sea buckthorn oil
Apply a compress from a soaked gauze pad to the affected area for 15-25 minutes; once a day is enough.
Ringworm
A fungal, contagious disease that affects the skin, nails, and hair.
Causes:
- Weak immunity;
- The presence of damaged surfaces of the skin layer;
- Contact with an infected person or animal.
Symptoms:
- Red or pink spots;
- Severe peeling;
- Bubbles and blisters on affected surfaces;
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- Hair loss (with tinea capitis);
- The affected area can be up to 10 centimeters in length.
Ulcers and scars may form in areas that have not been treated. If lichen first appeared in childhood, but was not treated, then symptoms can and will appear in later life.
Treatment with medications
Ointments
Miconazole, Lamisil, Clotrimazole - no more than three times a day. Salicylic, sulfuric – additionally. Sinaflan, Nystatin, Fluconazole - for irritating itching, no more than five days, as they can be addictive.
Shampoos
For scalp fungus: Nizoral, Mycozoral, Dermalex - every time you wash your hair, instead of regular shampoo.
Pills
Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine - strictly adhere to the dosage and number of days for taking, since the drugs have a very negative effect on the condition of the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system.
Treatment with folk remedies
Garlic tincture
Peel the head of garlic and pour a glass of boiled, cooled water, add a dessert spoon of vinegar (10 ml) and leave for two hours, after settling, add 20 drops of camphor oil to the solution, mix well and treat the wounds three to four times a day.
Sulfur
We buy yellow sulfur powder at the pharmacy, then heat it in a water bath, mixing it with vegetable oil (unrefined) in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the resulting mixture to damaged skin areas every day before bed.
Oregano essential oil
Lubricate 4 times a day, approximately every 3 hours, one to one and a half weeks.
Pityriasis alba
Skin fungus, most often occurs in childhood and adolescence from 3 to 16 years, rarely in adults, the species is not dangerous and does not pose a threat to health and life, but the infection cannot be left without attention.
Causes:
- Dermatitis and allergic skin rashes;
- Tendency to bronchial asthma;
- Eczema;
- Seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis (allergy to plants, pollen);
- Malassezia fungus (develops in dogs, is transmitted to humans).
Symptoms:
- The appearance of white spots up to five centimeters, mainly on the face, sides and bottom of the limbs;
- Peeling during exacerbation;
- Inflammation in the cold season.
Treatment with medications
Ointments and creams with antifungal action - Mycogel, Methyluracil ointment, Trimestin. Antiallergic tablets - Cetrin, Tavegil, Suprastin. Nasal drops – Sanorin, Avamis, Nasonex, Vibrocil. Vitamins – any complex containing at least 10 vitamins.
Treatment with folk remedies
Swim in warm, running water, and after the bath, apply baby cream or other emollient to the skin.
Aloe
For a week, lubricate wounds and spots with fresh juice (cut a new piece of leaf each time), several times, a quick effect is guaranteed. Can be used by children.
Sea buckthorn
Grind fresh berries into a paste, squeeze out the juice using gauze, wipe the skin once a day, for about two weeks.
Ringworm
Corroding ringworm, also called eczema, is a chronic type of skin disease.
Causes:
- Failure to comply with general hygiene rules;
- Poor nutrition with frequent consumption of fatty, high-calorie foods;
- Problems with the thyroid gland;
- Genetic predisposition;
- Low hemoglobin, suppressed immunity;
- Nervous breakdowns;
- Protracted infectious processes in the body;
- Allergy.
Symptoms:
- Bubbles that burst and reappear in the same place;
- Red - blue spots;
- Cracking and peeling of wounds;
- Itching, formation of ulcers.
Treatment with medications
The hands, feet, and forearms are mainly affected. Antiviral ointments - Acyclovir, Gerpevir. Antifungal ointments – Mycogel, Exoderil. Anti-virus tablets - Gerpevir, Groprinosin according to the prescribed dosage in the instructions Alternate ointments, apply each ointment every other day, course for at least a month.
Treatment with folk remedies
Birch mushroom
Set it on fire and use smoke to smoke the problem areas of the skin, repeat the procedure three to six times.
Burdock
Boil 15 grams of roots with a glass of clean water for 10 minutes, let it brew for half an hour, apply the lotion to the skin.
